David Cameron unveils 16,000 new apprenticeships

Prime Minister David Cameron is to announce that 16,000 new apprenticeships will be created under plans by major companies across construction, engineering and the retail sectors, as he promises to create millions more if the Tories win the election.

The Prime Minister will be launching the campaign with The Apprentice star Baroness Karren Brady. Companies involved in the scheme include Morrisons, Whitbread, National Grid and Dairy Crest.

Cameron said: “We want apprenticeships to be level-pegging with a university degree giving millions more people the dignity of work and a regular pay packet. We’ve already created 2.2 million apprenticeships since 2010 but a future Conservative government is committed to opening up three million more high quality apprenticeships – to help strengthen our economy and communities and give millions more people financial security.

Baroness Brady added: “Each apprenticeship is a chance for young people to master a trade, learn on the job and take home money in your pocket each week.I remember that feeling of being 18, 19, 20 years old, hungry to get on and desperate for someone to give me an opportunity so I could prove myself.As soon as someone gives you a chance and believes in you – it’s a moment that can transform your life.”